Điện Biên – Historical Witness of the Indochina War

Điện Biên is a mountainous province in Vietnam’s Northwestern side, bordered by Lai Châu and Sơn La Provinces. It expands on an area of over 9,500 square kilometers with Điện Biên Phủ being its capital city. In terms of main communities, Điện Biên is home to the Kinh (Việt), Thái, H’mong, Dao and Giáy.

Topography and climate condition

Điện Biên sits on the Southern bank of Đà River, with a chain of massive mountain ranges running across the Northwest-Southeast direction. Điện Biên is home to the enormous Mường Thanh, the biggest valley all over Vietnam’s Northwest. The province’s main terrain is jungles, along with vertical cliffs sneaking through various valleys, plateaus, rivers, and canals.

Two seasons take turns to hit Điện Biên each year, with the dry season in between October and April, while rains are welcomed during the rest of the year. The average temperature is around 23 Celsius degrees.

A lesser-known enormous potential for tourism

Most people get to recall Điện Biên given its most famed historical relics, Điện Biên Phủ, which witnessed the harsh combat between Việt Minh soldiers and the remaining French fighters in 1954.

You only need an hour in the plane to arrive in Điện Biên from Hanoi. If you are an adventure lover, then conquering the thoroughfare to the province would be an exciting challenge. The mighty 32-kilometer Pha Đin Pass is an obstacle you have no choice but take over.

Điện Biên expands largely on a vast land of over 9,500 square kilometers. Hence, such an amazing area was granted with various types of terrain, which consists of both romantic and magnificent landscapes. Given this huge potential in terms of topography, there is a wide range of experiences and activities to be offered to travelers visiting Điện Biên, such as ecotourism, recreation, relaxation, and apparently – sports adventures.

If you are wondering about which tourist attractions or landmarks that should not be missed, here is an answer. Amongst a broad set of Điện Biên landmarks, Pá Khoang Lake ad Mường Phăng Primitive Forest are must-see venues, which are able to provide authentic and unique experiences. Other than those, Uva Hot Spring in Noong Luống Commune, Điện Biên District and the breathtaking scenery located on both sides of the Đà River, Mường Lay Commune are things you may set aside some time to pay a visit.

In addition, we highly recommend you to take a short walk around Mường Nhé Nature Reserve, Pa Thơm Grotto, Noong U Natural Lake, Thẩm Púa Cave, Thẩm Khương Cave, and Pha Đin Pass. You may find it hard to combine all of these in one proper trip and sometimes figuring out the best direction leads to some actual issues. Do not hesitate to request a good guide from local or nearby tour operators for a hand.

Must-try dishes in Điện Biên

Another best thing to do when visiting a new land is trying out some of its iconic food. In Điện Biên, here are what you are not allowed to skip:

Brihaspa worms

Điện Biên sticky rice

Thịt trâu gác bếp – Khang Gai dried meat

Pa Pỉnh – Grilled fish

Bitter young bamboo

Điện biên round sticky rice cake

Quickly save this very guideline down your hand-phone and feel free to conquer Điện Biên on your own.